The present invention provides a support apparatus for a fuel tank used in connection with a gas barbecue grill assembly. The support apparatus is connected to a portion of the frame assembly of the grill assembly. The support apparatus comprises a housing member with a bracket adapted to engage a portion of the fuel tank and a releasable member operably connected to the housing member. At least one pivot axis member operably connects the support apparatus to a portion of the frame assembly. The support apparatus is rotatable about a generally vertical axis between a first position wherein the fuel tank is substantially within the frame assembly and stored for use, and a second position wherein the fuel tank is substantially beyond the frame assembly and accessible for removal and replacement. The releasable member is adapted to secure the support apparatus in either the first position or the second position.
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1. A barbecue grill assembly comprising:
a cooking chamber connected to a frame assembly, a portion of the frame assembly defining a cabinet; and, a fuel tank support apparatus pivotally connected to a portion of the frame assembly, the support apparatus having: (i) a housing member with a bracket configured to engage a portion of the fuel tank, (ii) a releasable securing member operably connected to the housing member; and, (iii) a spring member operably connected to the securing member.
11. A support apparatus for a fuel tank used with a barbecue gull, the support apparatus comprising:
a housing member having a bracket adapted to engage a portion of the fuel tank, the housing member movable between a first position, wherein the fuel tank is stored for use, and a second position wherein the fuel tank is accessible; a releasable member operably connected to the housing member, the releasable member adapted to secure the housing member in at least one of the first or second positions; and, a spring member connected to the releasable member.
27. An outdoor cooking device comprising:
a burner connected to a frame assembly; and, a support apparatus for a fuel tank, the support apparatus pivotally connected to a portion of the frame assembly, the support apparatus having a housing member with a bracket adapted to engage a portion of the fuel tank, the support apparatus pivotable between a first position wherein the fuel tank is stored for use, and a second position wherein the fuel tank is accessible, the support apparatus further having a releasable member and a spring member operably connected to the housing member and adapted to secure the support apparatus in one of the first or second positions.
12. A support apparatus for a fuel tank used with a barbecue grill, the support apparatus comprising:
a housing member having a bracket adapted to engage a portion of the fuel tank, the housing member movable between a first position and a second position where the fuel tank is accessible, wherein the housing has a channel defined by an outer wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall of the housing; a releasable member operably connected to the housing member within the channel, the releasable member adapted to secure the housing member in at least one of the first or second positions; and, a spring member connected to the releasable member within the channel.
15. A barbecue grill assembly comprising:
a cooking chamber connected to a frame assembly; and, a support apparatus for a fuel tank, the support apparatus pivotally connected to a portion of the frame assembly, the support apparatus having a housing member with a bracket adapted to engage a portion of the fuel tank, the support apparatus movable between a first position wherein the fuel tank is substantially within the frame assembly, and a second position wherein the fuel tank is substantially beyond the frame assembly, the support apparatus further having a releasable member and a spring member operably connected to the housing member and adapted to secure the support apparatus in one of the first or second positions.
18. A barbecue grill assembly comprising:
a cooking chamber connected to a frame assembly, a portion of the frame assembly defining a cabinet with a bottom wall; and, a movable support apparatus for a fuel tank, the support apparatus pivotally connected to a portion of the cabinet and movable between a first position wherein the fuel tank is stored for use, and a second position wherein the fuel tank is accessible, the support apparatus having a housing member with a bracket adapted to engage a portion of the fuel tank, the support apparatus further having a releasable securing member operably connected to the housing member wherein the releasable member secures the support apparatus in the first position or the second position.
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13. The movable apparatus of
14. The movable apparatus of
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24. The barbecue grill assembly of
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28. The outdoor cooking device of
29. The outdoor cooking device of
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Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
The present invention relates to a support for a fuel tank used in connection with a barbecue grill. More specifically, the present invention relates to a movable support for fuel tank that is capable of movement between at least two positions.
Over the past two to three decades, the popularity of gas barbecue grills and outdoor cooking devices has increased tremendously. Manufacturers of these products have introduced a number of support devices for the fuel tank used in connection with the grills and cooking devices. However, conventional support devices suffer from a number of problems and limitations. Most conventional support devices are affixed to a portion of the frame assembly of the barbecue grill or the cooking device, typically a vertical frame member. In this manner, the support device and the fuel tank are exposed to potentially harsh outdoor elements. Also, the vertical frame member must be specifically designed or reinforced to withstand the increased loads presented by the support device and the fuel tank. Because most frame assemblies are formed from a plurality of frame members, access to a spent fuel tank is compromised when the support device is affixed to the frame assembly.
A number of larger gas barbecue grills have a frame assembly which includes a cabinet or a storage cavity where the fuel tank is simply placed therein. In this manner, the fuel tank remains unsecured and susceptible to unexpected movement. Alternatively, a conventional support device is permanently affixed to an internal frame member comprising the cabinet. In either case, the structure of the cabinet impairs the access to and replacement of a spent fuel tank.
An example of a support device susceptible to the limitations identified above is U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,355 to Schlosser et al., which is assigned to the Assignee of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 therein, a support device 28 for a fuel tank 24 includes an elongated U-shaped portion 62 with a curved lower portion 62 and a strap 68. The support device 28 is a stationary element that is affixed to a lower portion of the support frame 14. Referring to
Another example of a support device with the concerns identified above is U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,469 to Schlosser et al., which is assigned to the Assignee of the present invention. As shown in
Yet another example of a support device susceptible to the problems identified above is U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,252 to Schlosser et al., which is assigned to the Assignee of the present invention. As shown in
The unrestrained placement of a fuel tank within a cabinet of a barbecue grill assembly is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,333 to Ducate et al. As show in
Therefore, there is a definite need for a support device for a fuel tank that is movable between a first position wherein the fuel tank is stored for use, and a second position, wherein the fuel tank is accessible. In addition, there is a need for a support device that provides for generally unobstructed removal and replacement of a spent fuel tank.
The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.
The present invention relates to a movable support apparatus for a fuel tank used in connection with a gas barbecue grill assembly or an outdoor cooking device. The support apparatus includes a housing member having opposed side walls, a back wall, and a bottom wall. A bracket is affixed to an outer surface of the back wall and is adapted to engage an opening of the fuel tank. The bracket is adapted to secure the fuel tank to the support apparatus.
A releasable securing member is operably connected to the housing member. The securing member is adapted to provide securement to the housing member such that the position of the support apparatus remains generally fixed. Described in a different manner, when the securing member is properly engaged, the support apparatus is generally immobile. When the securing member is disengaged, the support apparatus is capable of movement. The securing member has a handle portion that is adapted to actuate the securing member. An intermediate portion of the securing member is operably connected to a portion of the support apparatus. A lower portion of the securing member extends through an aperture in the bottom wall.
In accord with the invention, the support apparatus is operably connected to the frame assembly of the gas barbecue grill assembly, where the frame assembly generally comprises a combination of vertical frame members, transverse frame members, and horizontal frame members. The frame assembly, including the vertical, transverse, and horizontal frame members define a cabinet, which is positioned generally below the cooking chamber of the barbecue grill assembly. At least one hinge is adapted to operably connect the support apparatus to a portion of the cabinet, preferably a portion of the vertical frame member.
In further accord with the invention, the support apparatus is movable between a first position, wherein the fuel tank is generally stored for use and a second position, wherein the fuel tank is generally accessible. In the first position, the support apparatus and the fuel tank are positioned generally within the cabinet. Described in another manner, in the first position, the support apparatus and the fuel tank are positioned generally within the frame assembly. When the support apparatus is in the first position, the fuel tank is secured for use with the grill assembly.
The support apparatus is secured in the first position by the engagement of the securing member with a bottom wall of the cabinet. The bottom wall has a first means for receiving the lower portion of the securing member. When the support apparatus is located in the first position the support apparatus is generally fixed or immobile.
In the second position, a portion of the support apparatus is positioned generally beyond a portion of the cabinet. Described in another manner, in the second position, a portion of the support apparatus is positioned generally beyond a portion of the frame assembly, and the fuel tank is positioned generally beyond the frame assembly. When the support apparatus is in the second position, the fuel tank is accessible, meaning that a user can detach and/or remove a spent fuel tank from the support apparatus. Also, no portion of the frame assembly obstructs the removal of the spent fuel tank. A replacement fuel tank can then be secured to the support apparatus.
The support apparatus is secured in the second position by the engagement of the securing member with the bottom wall of the cabinet. The bottom wall has a second means for receiving the lower portion of the securing member. When the lower portion is received by the second receiving means, the support apparatus is located in the second position wherein the fuel tank is accessible for removal and/or replacement.
The support apparatus is movable between the first and second positions by actuating the releasable securing member. To move the support apparatus from the first position to the second position, a user engages the handle portion of the securing member and actuates it upward an amount sufficient to disengage the lower portion from the first receiving means. To move the support apparatus from the second position to the first position, a user engages the handle portion and actuates it upward an amount sufficient to disengage the lower portion from the second receiving means.
The support apparatus of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages over conventional fuel tank support devices. One such advantage is the ability to rotate the support apparatus from a use position (first position) to an access position (second position) such that a spent fuel tank can be removed and replaced. Another advantage is the ability to rotate the support apparatus from the access position to the use position once the replacement fuel tank is connected to the support apparatus. Yet another advantage provided by the support apparatus is positioning the fuel tank within the cabinet in the use position to preclude exposure to outdoor elements.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
A barbecue grill assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The barbecue grill assembly 10 generally includes a cooking chamber 12 and a frame assembly 14. The frame assembly 14 is adapted to provide support to the cooking chamber 12. The frame assembly 14 includes a combination of vertical frame members 16, transverse frame members 17, and horizontal frame members 18. The barbecue grill assembly 10 further includes a control panel 20, which is affixed to a portion of the frame assembly 14.
The frame assembly 14 defines a cabinet or cavity 24 as the interior space between the vertical, transverse, and horizontal frame members 16, 17, 18. The cabinet 24 provides storage space or capacity for a fuel tank 26 (see
As shown in
A movable support apparatus 30 for the fuel tank 26 is first shown in FIG. 2. Referring to
A releasable securing member 48 is operably connected to the housing member 32. The securing member 48 is adapted to provide securement to the housing member 32 such that the position of the support apparatus 30 remains generally fixed. Described in a different manner, when the securing member 48 is properly engaged, the support apparatus 30 is generally immobile. In contrast, when the securing member 48 is disengaged, the support apparatus 30 is capable of movement. Accordingly, engagement of the securing member 48 generally precludes movement of the support apparatus 30.
Referring to
A tab 60 extends from an inner surface 46b of the back wall 38. An intermediate portion 61 of the securing member 48 is operably connected to a portion of the support apparatus 30, preferably the tab 60. An aperture 62 in the tab 60 is adapted to receive a portion of the intermediate portion 61 of the securing member 48. The intermediate portion 61 and the aperture 62 are adapted for slidable engagement.
A lower portion 64 of the securing member 48 extends through an aperture 66 in the bottom wall 40. As shown in
Referring to
Referring to
In a preferred embodiment, the support apparatus 30 further includes at least one caster or wheel 88, preferably located on a lower portion of the support apparatus 30. As shown in
Operation
The support apparatus 30 is rotatable about the vertical axis A--A between a first position P1, wherein the fuel tank 26 is generally stored for use and a second position P2, wherein the fuel tank 26 is generally accessible. Referring to
The support apparatus 30 is secured in the first position P1 (see
Referring to
The support apparatus 30 is secured in the second position P2 (see
Referring to
Alternatively, the bottom wall 25 is omitted from the frame assembly 14. In this configuration, a portion of the frame assembly 14 includes the first and second receiving means 94, 96. For example, a first projection or finger (not shown) extends from the horizontal frame member 18 and includes the first receiving means 94, and a second projection or finger (not shown) extends from the transverse frame member 17 and includes the second receiving means 96. Thus, the support apparatus 30 is secured in the first position P1 by the engagement of the securing member 48 with the first receiving means 94 and in the second position P1 by the engagement of the securing member 48 with the second receiving means 96.
The support apparatus 30 is movable between the first and second positions P1, P2 by actuating the releasable securing member 48. To move the support apparatus 30 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, a user engages the handle portion 50 of the securing member 48 and actuates it in a generally upward direction a distance sufficient to disengage the lower portion 64 from the first receiving means 94. Once the lower portion 64 is disengaged from the first receiving means 94, a user can apply a force sufficient to rotate the support apparatus 30 about the vertical axis A--A to the second position P2 (see FIG. 9). To move the support apparatus 30 from the second position P2 to the first position P1, a user engages the handle portion 50 and actuates it in a generally upward direction a distance sufficient to disengage the lower portion 64 from the second receiving means 96. Once the lower portion 64 is disengaged from the second receiving means 96, a user can apply a force sufficient to rotate the support apparatus 30 about the vertical axis A--A to the first position P1 (see FIG. 9).
The support apparatus 30 can be positioned in a transitory position (not shown) between the first and second positions P1, P2. In the transitory position, the lower portion 64 of the securing member 48 engages the bottom wall 25 of the cabinet 24. In the transitory position, a portion of the support apparatus 30 may be located beyond the transverse frame member 17 of the cabinet 24. Similarly, in the transitory position, a portion of the fuel tank 26 may be located beyond the transverse frame member 17 of the cabinet 24.
The dimensions of the support apparatus 30 can vary greatly with the dimensions of the grill assembly 10. Preferably, the dimensions of the support apparatus 30 correspond to the dimensions of the frame assembly 14 and/or the cabinet 24. Accordingly, the height or length of the support apparatus 30 is generally less than the height of the cabinet 24. In this manner, neither the frame assembly 14 nor the cabinet 24 obstruct the movement of the support apparatus 30.
The support apparatus 30 can be manufactured from plastic, steel, aluminum, or other metals, including metal alloys. The support apparatus 30 can be formed in a number of ways, including cast or stamped processes.
In another preferred embodiment, the support apparatus 30 is operably connected to an outdoor cooking device (not shown) comprising a gas burner connected to a frame assembly. The frame assembly is formed from a combination of frame members, including vertical, horizontal, and/or transverse members. The frame assembly is adapted to be generally mobile. The frame assembly defines an interior cavity or cabinet that has dimension sufficient to receive the fuel tank 26. As disclosed above, at least one hinge 72 connects the support apparatus 30 to the frame assembly.
The support apparatus 30 is movable between a first position P1 wherein the fuel tank 26 is stored for use, and a second position P2 wherein the fuel tank 26 is accessible for removal and/or replacement. In the first position P1, the support apparatus 30 and the fuel tank 26 are positioned generally within the frame assembly and the cabinet. In the second position P2, the support apparatus 30 and the fuel tank 26 are positioned generally beyond the frame assembly and the cabinet.
The support apparatus 30 of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages over conventional fuel tank support devices. When the support apparatus 30 is in the first position P1, the fuel tank 26 is stored within the cabinet 24 and not exposed to outdoor elements. In contrast, most conventional support devices are positioned external to the cabinet and consequently expose the fuel tank to outdoor elements. Also, when the support apparatus 30 is in the second position P2, the fuel tank 26 is easily accessible for removal when the fuel is spent. Finally, movement of the support apparatus 30 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 facilitates removal of the fuel tank 26, and from the second position P2 to the first position P1 facilitates replacement of the fuel tank 26. In the event that the conventional support devices are located within the cabinet, the support devices are stationary and are incapable of movement. Accordingly, the ease of removal and replacement of the fuel tank is compromised with conventional support devices.
Another benefit of the present invention relates to shipping and packaging concerns of the barbecue grill assembly 10. The first position P1 provides a secure and stable arrangement for the fuel tank 26 within the cabinet 24, such that the barbeque grill assembly 10 can be packaged, shipped, and delivered with the fuel tank 26 connected to the support apparatus 30. In contrast, conventional support devices inadequately support the fuel tank for packaging and shipping concerns.
While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.
Stephen, James C., Sieg, Ewald, Gonzalez, Mario
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Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Dec 11 2001 | Weber-Stephen Products Company | (assignment on the face of the patent) | ||||
Mar 15 2002 | STEPHEN, JAMES C | WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS CO | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 012818 | 0925 | |
Mar 15 2002 | SIEG, EWALD | WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS CO | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 012818 | 0925 | |
Mar 15 2002 | GONZALEZ, MARIO | WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS CO | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 012818 | 0925 | |
Dec 17 2010 | WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS CO | WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC, FORMERLY KNOWN AS WSPC ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY | 025525 | 0075 | |
Mar 20 2020 | WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC | BANK OF AMERICA, N A , AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | NOTICE OF GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS | 052205 | 0329 | |
Oct 30 2020 | WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC | BANK OF AMERICA, N A | SECURITY INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 061300 | 0624 |
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